Review: Garmin Forerunner 101 GPS Running Watch
Posted by The GPS Advisor in GPS Watches, GPS for Runners, GPS for Triathletes, Garmin Products
Verdict: “Best Entry-Level GPS Running Watch”
If your budget is limited (to about 100 bucks) and you want to add GPS functionality to your workouts or training regimen, look no further than the Garmin Forerunner 101 GPS running watch.
Having survived my 25 year running career with a handy digital watch, I was amazed to see what Garmin has packed into this wrist-top GPS running computer.
I like the simplicity and basic functions of this virtual training partner as well as the very low entry price, unless you want to hook it up to your PC - then go with the next step up.
The Garmin Forerunner 101 is Packed With Features for Runners & Walkers
Besides the basic chronograph functionality, the Forerunner 101 tracks a huge amount of data, including training time, pacing data, distance covered, lap times, lap distances, elevation gains/losses, and calories burnt. Wow.
You don’t have to be a professional runner to seriously benefit from the Garmin Forerunner 101. A recreational walker can track all of the same workout data as an elite runner with the Forerunner - and get the same benefits.
The Garmin Forerunner 101 is not the smallest GPS running watch on the market, but you will not mind the size once you strap it on and get used to it. The controls consist of 6 buttons that are intuitive, once you practice a bit.
This GPS Watch Tracks Your Workout Data Automatically
The Garmin Forerunner 101 tracks an amazing amount of different data points to give you a complete picture of your running or walking adventures. You could even use it for cycling adventures as well.
These data points include training time, pace, distance, lap pace, lap time, lap distance, average and best pace, elevation, and calories burnt.
The best part is that you don’t have to write anything down anymore. The Garmin Forerunner can store up to two years of workout data for you. I also like how lap histories can be organized easily by day or week, giving you a clear view of your progress.
If you need to download this data, consider getting the Forerunner 201, as it has PC link functionality (as well as a rechargeable Lithium Ion battery).
High Accuracy with the WAAS Technology
The Garmin Forerunner 101 utilizes WAAS (Wide Area Augmentation System) technology to achieve an error margin of 3 meters or less. This is incredible, considering that it is communicating with satellites in orbit around the planet. Never before, have we had access to such accuracy available to the masses.
Of course, this accuracy depends on the GPS watches ability to get line-of-sight signals from the orbiting satellites. So, if you are in the concrete jungle with skyscrapers and large trees in the way, expect the accuracy of your route tracking to be a little off over several miles.
The Garmin Forerunner 101 Automatically Tracks Where You Run
You can use the Garmin Forerunner 101 running GPS watch to essentially leave “electronic breadcrumbs” that map the route that you run or walk in absolute detail.
You can even mark waypoint stops on your course to use to find your way back if you are exploring the urban or backcountry jungle. The Forerunner has a “Back to Start” feature that will provide you with hints and directions to retrace your steps back to these points.
After all is said and done, you can recall your route from the Forerunner’s memory and review where you ran (as well as how fast).
Virtual Training Partner Functions Keep You Going
With the Garmin Forerunner 101, you can set up pacing and distance alarms for your course. This can be handy if you want to create interval workouts for training purposes.
Even more exciting is the ability to use the “Virtual Partner” mode that displays a cool little graphic runner that is either shown ahead of you or behind you, depending on your pace (and how fast you are today).
If you decide to stop for a break during your run, the “Auto Pause” functionality stops the watch for that time period, so you get an accurate time and distance picture at the end of the day.
Check Out This Feature Set…
* Wrist-top design
* Easy-to-read display with backlighting
* 12-parallel channel GPS receiver
* Built-in patch style GPS antenna
* Built-in GPS receiver provides accurate speed and distance data; no calibration required
* Virtual Partner™ allows you to train against a time or pace you select
* Calculates calories burned based on body weight, distance traveled and slope changes
* Automatically records lap histories by day or week; stores 5,000 laps (approx. 2 years of data)
* Pace alarm alerts you if you are slower or faster than pace you’ve input
* Time/distance alarm alerts you when you reach the specified time or distance
* Auto Pause™ feature pauses training time when you stop running
* Auto Lap™ feature records lap data when you reach a specified distance
* Navigation capabilities allow you to mark distances, find locations and navigate back to the starting point. Mark and save up to 100 waypoints
For about $100, this is quite a package. In fact, some chronometer watches without all of this functionality are in the same price range. If you buy it, we think you will satisfied. Happy trails!
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